Artist: Godsmack
Album Title: When Legends Rise
Release Year: 2018

Opener: I waited to review this album until after it grew on me, I knew it would. I was a bit taken back, but there was that gut feeling that I’d end up loving it. Other albums, such as even Nine Inch Nails’ “With Teeth”...I wasn’t a fan of them and was disappointed at first. After plenty of patient plays, I now love most of them.

Godsmack: When Legends Rise, is it surprising? Yes, most definitely but that doesn't mean that it's bad. Besides, music reviews are always strictly opinion (with some fact attached of course), so take it as you will. You should always anyway, regardless of the review/opinion source you are reading.

< When Legends Rise >

Starting with “When Legends Rise”: it’s different, however, it really isn’t that different. From the introduction, Shannon Larkin’s drum licks and fills are predominantly what his style has always been. This does include the pre-Shannon era as Sully Erna wrote, or at least guided, much of the percussion. Note the bangos and natural percussion during the verses especially.

Sully Erna’s vocals, much like the entire album unless noted, are maybe a slight drift from Godsmack specific vocals, ...a very slight drift. However, if any fan had followed Sully Erna’s two solo album (Avalon or Hometown Life), it’s really not a stretch as he has already been incorporating many genre’s vocal styles. Some of which may even not have been noticed in Godsmack until those variations were brought to the forefront with this album.

< Bulletproof >

This was the lead single, released before the full album release, for When Legends Rise. Yes, it sent a wave of shock amongst the fans. I’m of the breed who believe that change is often good and repeating the same sound and same album constantly is boring. It doesn’t seem to keep the band interesting long term, therefore it doesn’t really promote longevity.

Not offering any argument that the song is instantly different from anything else Godsmack has ever done, it’s quite pretty and compliments the song’s build up. Shannon’s percussion is more simplified in this song, again complimenting the song rather than the musician, but even his fills in it are great.

The chorus is very inspiring and motivating. The lyrics throughout, though especially in the chorus, are interesting as it’s the same Godsmack theme/scenario of someone not letting someone/something not get the best of them. However, instead of screaming it as in “Cryin’ Like A Bitch” (from The Oracle), it’s injected into a melodic chorus. The only weak spot to me is the repeated, “I’m bulletproof”, in a sound that’s very common of many bands you’ll hear on any mainstream rock music source.

Although I am happy to hear Tony Rombola playing more prominent guitar solos, I’d agree with some criticism that this solo strongly resembles Paramore’s “Decode”. Though Sully has always stated that Tony and bassist Robbie Merrell have “underplayed what they’re capable of” to meet what is actually good for the song. I largely agree, though hearing Tony’s wonderful skills in backstage footage, a more elaborate guitar solo would’ve complimented this song nicely.

< Unforgettable >

I’ll fully avoid any shame that I feel “Unforgettable” is the weakest song on the album, if there is one. The backing vocals don’t pull me in or keep me on the path that Godsmack is still bucking off trends. Shannon’s percussion is awesome in the song, especially his fills. There’s also nothing wrong, in my opinion, with the lyrics. It’s either the way the song was built and executed or simply some personal reason that I can’t put a finger on.

< Someday >

The song is great and feels like a natural progression from “Something Different” (from 1000hp). In fact, it’s ironic because if the song were on that album, it’s likely nobody would have blinked an eye. However, because it is on a different sounding album, negative critics shrug the song.

< Just One Time >

The title doesn’t give any hint but especially in the introduction, this is classic Godsmack sound and atmosphere for the most part. Guitars are turned back down with muted riffs, Sully’s vocals in the chorus are nicely textured as in many songs over the last nearly two decades. It also features a far more impressive, and likely true to the musician, guitar solo from Mr. Rombola. It’s outro/finale also has a lot of wonderful thrash for those still craving the heavier style.

< Other Songs >:

Eye of the Storm: Definitely different as well but very in tune with Sully’s, at least, strong influence of classic rock and even some 80’s era rock bands. Remember, he was a professional musician long before Godsmack was ever formed. The song also has a great song and works wonderfully as a closer.

Every Part of Me:
“Every Part of Me” has a GREAT chorus that makes me want to jump out of my seat, if sitting, and sing along. This will sound great live.

Under the Scars:

Fully correct, throughout most other reviews, “Under the Scars” is by far the most evolved song and different than any other song Godsmack has put on an album. First of all, it’s the first ballad to ever make its way onto a Godsmack album. However, pre-2018 songs such as “Serenity” set the stage for this move and likely helped to lift it to light. The song is also no surprise, again, for fans that have also followed Sully’s solo career. An emotional chorus, soft and nearly mournful vocal tone, Sully’s piano skills included….it aligns with Sully himself like a glove. I wasn’t surprised at all as the album could’ve shown up on his Avalon album as far as I’m concerned.

Overall: If you’re alright with a band making a huge step forward, experimenting, and moving into evolution and willing to at least let the album grow on you...I absolutely recommend this album. Don’t expect Faceless, The Oracle, Awake or any other previous Godsmack album. However, it’s still very unique in many ways from the other hard rock currently out there. There are just a few ticks that made me go “hmmm” but otherwise, this is a nice, loud and powerful album.

Check out Godsmack and Shinedown on tour this Summer/Fall

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